High temperature material for use in medical devices

ABSTRACT

A material for use in a medical device includes a blend of a non-melt polymer such as Polyamideimide, a meltable carrier polymer such as Polyetherketoneketone and lubricants/rheology modifiers such that the final polymer material can be extruded, pelletized and used to injection mold components for the medical device. The ratios of the Polyamideimide, Polyetherketoneketone and the lubricants are selected to provide sufficient lubricity and glass transition temperature to the material to make it appropriate for use in high temperature applications and additive manufacturing processes.

BACKGROUND

A variety of surgical instruments include an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells). These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element. The precision of cutting and coagulation may be controlled by the surgeon's technique and adjusting the power level, blade edge, tissue traction and blade pressure.

Examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments include the HARMONIC ACE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC WAVE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC FOCUS® Ultrasonic Shears, and the HARMONIC SYNERGY® Ultrasonic Blades, all by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Further examples of such devices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,055, entitled “Clamp Coagulator/Cutting System for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments,” issued Jun. 21, 1994, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,873, entitled “Ultrasonic Clamp Coagulator Apparatus Having Improved Clamp Mechanism,” issued Feb. 23, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,510, entitled “Ultrasonic Clamp Coagulator Apparatus Having Improved Clamp Arm Pivot Mount,” filed Oct. 10, 1997, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,811, entitled “Blades with Functional Balance Asymmetries for use with Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments,” issued Dec. 4, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,444, entitled “Blades with Functional Balance Asymmetries for Use with Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments,” issued Aug. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” issued Aug. 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Still further examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0079874, entitled “Tissue Pad for Use with an Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument,” published Apr. 13, 2006, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0191713, entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating,” published Aug. 16, 2007, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0282333, entitled “Ultrasonic Waveguide and Blade,” published Dec. 6, 2007, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2008/0200940, entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating,” published Aug. 21, 2008, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0105750, entitled “Ergonomic Surgical Instruments,” published Apr. 23, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,623,027 on Jan. 7, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0069940, entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Fingertip Control,” published Mar. 18, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,071 on May 5, 2015,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0015660, entitled “Rotating Transducer Mount for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments,” published Jan. 20, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,744 on Jun. 11, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0029546, entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument Blades,” published Feb. 2, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,591,536 on Nov. 26, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Some of ultrasonic surgical instruments may include a cordless transducer such as that disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0112687, entitled “Recharge System for Medical Devices,” published May 10, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,058 on Jul. 5, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116265, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Charging Devices,” published May 10, 2012, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/410,603, filed Nov. 5, 2010, entitled “Energy-Based Surgical Instruments,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Additionally, some ultrasonic surgical instruments may include an articulating shaft section. Examples of such ultrasonic surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/538,588, filed Jun. 29, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,037on Jul. 19, 2016, entitled “Surgical Instruments with Articulating Shafts,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,553, filed Oct. 22, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,367on Aug. 4, 2015, entitled “Flexible Harmonic Waveguides/Blades for Surgical Instruments,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Many ultrasonic surgical instruments utilize clamp pads to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade to improve coaptation of blood vessels and improve hemostasis. Current instruments use thermoset grades of materials such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Two such devices are Sonocision® manufactured by Covidien®, Dublin, Ireland and Sonosurg® manufactured by Olympus®, Center Valley Pa. In these devices a unitary clamp arm pad formed from PTFE is used. Although this material provides significant lubricity to the pad, it does have the drawback of being less robust against heat. As such, the tissue pads in these devices do not provide as long a life as materials made from materials with higher melt temperatures and these pads can be cut through prematurely, especially when used in an abuse mode where there is no tissue between the clamp arm pad and the ultrasonic blade. Although higher melt temperature materials are available, these are not used in these unitary pad designs as they do not provide sufficient lubricity and cause the ultrasonic blade to become excessively hot towards its distal end when the ultrasonic blade is in direct contact with the clamp arm pad.

A different type of clamp arm pad design is employed in Harmonic ACE®, manufactured by Ethicon Endo-Surgery®, Cincinnati Ohio. This ultrasonic surgical shears device utilizes a two part clamp arm pad with the distal section made from PTFE and the proximal portion made from various Polyimide (PI) materials. Utilization of the two part design allows for the lower amplitude portion of the ultrasonic blade to contact the lower lubricity PI pad material, while the higher amplitude portion of the ultrasonic blade contacts the higher lubricity PTFE pad material. In this way the inherent high temperature resistance properties of the PI material can be used to provide longer pad life while not generating excessive heat since the amplitude and hence the velocity of the ultrasonic blade portion in contact with the PI pad are low enough that excessive frictional heat is not generated. The PTFE pad portion in this design is in contact with the higher amplitude and hence higher velocity portion of the ultrasonic blade; however the high lubricity of the PTFE material prevents excessive frictional heat from being generated at the pad-blade interface. The drawback of the two part pad design is that it requires the instrument to go through additional manufacturing processes to “burn-in” the pad material so that it properly interfaces with the ultrasonic blade along the entire length of both clamp arm pads. In addition, PI and PTFE materials have different material hardness which makes a two part pad design more susceptible to the softer PTFE material being damaged during use such that the interface surface between the ultrasonic blade and the two pads becomes inconsistent at the point where the PI and PTFE pads are joined. This in turn can cause the instrument to become less effective at cutting tissue in this area of the clamp arm pad, ultrasonic blade interface.

Although a unitary pad design with sufficient heat resistance is preferable, it was long believed that it was not possible to create a single clamp arm tissue pad made from a single material that provided both the necessary temperature resistance and the necessary lubricity to be useful in an ultrasonic surgical shears design. In addition, it was not believe to be possible to develop an injection moldable material that provided the necessary temperature resistance to be used in these designs. There is therefore still a need for a clamp arm pad material that provides sufficient lubricity and temperature resistance to be used as a unitary pad material in these types of ultrasonic surgical instruments. There is also a need for clamp arm pad materials that can be more easily processed to allow for injection molding of the clamp arm-clamp arm pad combination or over molding of a clamp arm pad material onto a clamp arm substrate.

While several surgical instruments and systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technology will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary surgical instrument;

FIG. 2A depicts a side elevational view of an end effector of the instrument of FIG. 1 in an open position;

FIG. 2B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 2A in a closed position;

FIG. 3A depicts an exploded perspective view of a clamp arm assembly of the end effector of FIG. 2A, showing the underside of the clamp arm assembly;

FIG. 3B depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp arm of FIG. 3A taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp arm of FIG. 3A taken along line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a handle assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary transducer assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the transducer assembly of FIG. 5 with a transducer housing removed;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary mold device for use with the clamp arm of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the clamp arm of FIG. 7 assembled with an overmolded clamp pad;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross sectional view of the assembled clamp arm and clamp pad of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative overmolded clamp arm assembly suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 depicts a side elevational view of a mounting device for use with a clamp arm of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the mounting device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 depicts a cross sectional view of the overmolded clamp arm assembly of FIG. 11 assembled with the mounting device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 depicts a partial perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm assembly with tabs suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm assembly suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 depicts a top perspective view of a clamp arm of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 depicts a top perspective view of a carrier of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 depicts a top perspective view of a clamp pad of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 depicts a side elevational view of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 16 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 depicts a partial perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with barbs suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of a clamp pad for use with the clamp arm of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp pad of FIG. 23 assembled with the clamp arm of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm assembly with grooves suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 depicts a bottom plan view of a clamp arm of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27A depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a t-slot configuration suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27B depicts a bottom perspective view of the clamp arm of FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28 depicts a partial perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm assembly with sidewall slots suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 depicts a top plan view of a clamp pad of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 depicts a partial perspective view of a clamp arm of the clamp arm assembly of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 depicts a partial cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm assembly with a pin suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 32 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with lateral grooves suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with interwoven grooves suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with bristles suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 depicts a side elevational view of the clamp pad of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with staggered bristles suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with sawteeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with inverted chevron teeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with opposing chevron teeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with inverted semi-circular teeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 41 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with opposing semi-circular teeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 42 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative clamp pad with bi-level sawteeth suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 43 depicts a side elevational view of the clamp pad of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 depicts a top view of an exemplary alternative end effector with a u-shaped clamp arm configuration suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 45A depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 44 in an open configuration;

FIG. 45B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 44 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 46 depicts a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 44 taken along line 46-46 of FIG. 45B, showing tissue clamped within the end effector;

FIG. 47A depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative end effector with a concave configuration suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, in an open configuration;

FIG. 47B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 47A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 48 depicts a top plan view of the end effector of FIG. 47A;

FIG. 49A depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative end effector with a convex configuration suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, in an open configuration;

FIG. 49B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 49A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 50A depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative end effector with a compliant straight clamp arm suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, in an open configuration;

FIG. 50B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 50A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 51A depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative end effector with a compliant curved clamp arm suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, in an open configuration;

FIG. 51B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 51A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 52 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with an overmolded clamp pad for use with the end effector of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 53 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a compliant material for use with the end effector of FIG. 51A

FIG. 54 depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a resilient member for use with the end effector of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 55A depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a blunt dissection feature suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, showing the blunt dissection feature in a stowed position;

FIG. 55B depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp arm of FIG. 55A, showing the blunt dissection feature in a deployed position;

FIG. 56 depicts a top plan view of the clamp arm of FIG. 55A, showing the blunt dissection feature in the stowed position;

FIG. 57 depicts a side elevational view of the clamp arm of FIG. 55A, showing the blunt dissection feature performing a blunt dissection of tissue;

FIG. 58 depicts a top view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a curved blunt dissection feature suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, with the blunt dissection feature in a stowed position;

FIG. 59 depicts a front end view of the clamp arm of FIG. 58, with the blunt dissection feature in a deployed position;

FIG. 60 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a protrusion suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 61 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a recess suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 62A depicts a cross sectional view of an exemplary alternative clamp arm with a coating suitable for incorporation with the instrument of FIG. 1, showing the coating in a unfilled state; and

FIG. 62B depicts a cross sectional view of the clamp arm of FIG. 64A, showing the coating in a filled state.

FIG. 63 depicts a graph of the number of cuts to failure of a clamp pad for an ultrasonic surgical device made of a Polybenzimidazole/Polyetherketoneketone blend vs. the percentage of Polybenzimidazole in the blend.

FIG. 64 depicts an isometric view of a spine cage implant made from a polymer blend.

FIG. 65 is a tabular listing of Non-melt polymers, Ultra Performance Meltable Carrier Polymers, High Performance Meltable Carrier Polymers and Lubricant/Rheology Modifying fillers suitable for use in the invention.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein relative to a human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers the position of an element closer to the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. The term “distal” refers to the position of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument.

I. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary ultrasonic surgical instrument (10) that is configured to be used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure (e.g., via a trocar or other small diameter access port, etc.). At least part of instrument (10) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,055; 5,873,873; 5,980,510; 6,325,811; 6,773,444; 6,783,524; U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0079874, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0191713, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0282333, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2008/0200940, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0105750, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,623,027 on Jan. 7, 2014; U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0069940, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,071 on May. 5, 2015; U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0015660, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,744 on Jun. 11, 2013; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0112687, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,058 on Jul. 5, 2016; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116265, now abandoned; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/538,588, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,037 on Jul. 19, 2016; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,553, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,367 on Aug. 4, 2015; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/410,603; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/028,717, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,636 on Jan. 8, 2019; The disclosures of each of the foregoing patents, publications, and applications are incorporated by reference herein. As described therein and as will be described in greater detail below, instrument (10) is operable to cut tissue and seal or weld tissue (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.) substantially simultaneously. It should also be understood that instrument (10) may have various structural and functional similarities with the HARMONIC ACE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC WAVE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC FOCUS® Ultrasonic Shears, and/or the HARMONIC SYNERGY® Ultrasonic Blades. Furthermore, instrument (10) may have various structural and functional similarities with the devices taught in any of the other references that are cited and incorporated by reference herein.

To the extent that there is some degree of overlap between the teachings of the references cited herein, the HARMONIC ACE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC WAVE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC FOCUS® Ultrasonic Shears, and/or the HARMONIC SYNERGY® Ultrasonic Blades, and the following teachings relating to instrument (10), there is no intent for any of the description herein to be presumed as admitted prior art. Several teachings herein will in fact go beyond the scope of the teachings of the references cited herein and the HARMONIC ACE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC WAVE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC FOCUS® Ultrasonic Shears, and the HARMONIC SYNERGY® Ultrasonic Blades.

Instrument (10) of the present example comprises an end effector (40), a shaft assembly (30), and a handle assembly (20). End effector (40) comprises an ultrasonic blade (100) and a clamp arm (44) that is pivotable toward and away from ultrasonic blade (100) to thereby clamp tissue between clamp arm (44) and ultrasonic blade (100) to cut and/or seal the tissue. End effector (40) is coupled with handle assembly (20) via shaft assembly (30). As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, shaft assembly (30) comprises an outer sheath (32), an inner tube (34) slidably disposed within outer sheath (32), and a waveguide (102) disposed within inner tube (34). As will be discussed in more detail below, longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) causes actuation of clamp arm (44) at end effector (40).

As best seen in FIG. 2B, a distal end of inner tube (34) is rotatably coupled with a proximal end of clamp arm (44) below ultrasonic blade (100) via a pair of pins (35) that are integral with clamp arm (44), such that longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) relative to outer sheath (32) and handle assembly (20) causes rotation of clamp arm (44) about pin (45) toward and away from ultrasonic blade (100) to thereby clamp tissue between clamp arm (44) and ultrasonic blade (100) to cut and/or seal the tissue. In particular, proximal longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) relative to outer sheath (32) and handle assembly (20) causes clamp arm (44) to move toward ultrasonic blade (100); and distal longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) relative to outer sheath (32) and handle assembly (20) causes clamp arm (44) to move away from ultrasonic blade (100).

Clamp arm (44) includes a clamp pad (58) mounted on clamp arm (44) for cooperation with blade (100). For example, pivotal movement of the clamp arm (44) positions clamp pad (58) in a substantially parallel relationship to, and in contact with, blade (100) or tissue against blade (100) to thereby define a tissue compression region, as shown in FIG. 2B. By this construction, tissue is clamped and compressed between clamp pad (58) and blade (100). When blade (100) is in a non-activated state, clamp pad (58) and blade (100) may cooperate to provide simple tissue grasping. When blade (100) is in an activated state as described in greater detail below, clamp pad (58) and blade (100) may sever and/or seal tissue compressed between clamp pad (58) and blade (100).

FIG. 3A shows the side of clamp pad (58) that faces blade (100). As shown, clamp pad (58) of this example includes a distal portion (58A) with a non-smooth surface, such as a sawtooth-like configuration to enhance the gripping of tissue in cooperation with blade (100). The sawtooth-like configuration, or teeth, provide traction against the movement of blade (100). Of course, the sawtooth-like configuration is just one example of many tissue engaging surfaces to prevent movement of the tissue relative to the movement of blade (100). Other suitable configurations for distal portion (58A) of clamp pad (58) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, distal portion (58A) may include bumps, criss-cross patterns, tread patterns, a bead or sand blasted surface, etc.

Clamp pad (58) may include a proximal portion (58B) that is smoother than distal portion (58A), such that proximal portion (58B) may be devoid of saw-tooth-like teeth or other tissue traction surfaces. Utilizing a smooth proximal portion (58B) on clamp pad (58) allows tissue in the proximal region to move distally, following the vibratory motion of blade (100), to the more active region of the blade (100). During operation, the tissue in the proximal region of end effector (40) (area of portion (58B)) may desiccate and become thinner; and the distal portion of end effector (40) (area of distal portion (58A)) may transect tissue in that distal region, thereby allowing the desiccated and thin tissue within the proximal region to slide distally into the more active region of end effector (40) to complete the tissue transaction. Clamp pad (58) may be made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or any other suitable low-friction material.

In an alternative embodiment, Clamp Pad (58) may be formed from a blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) as will be discussed in greater detail. In this type of blend the PBI material is soluble in the PEKK material which allows for the alloy to be injection molded. While the preferred embodiment utilizes a PBI/PEKK blend, non-melt polymers such as Polyimide (PI), Self Reinforced Polyphenylene (SRP), Polyamideimide (PAI) or Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) may be used as substitutes for PBI in this alloy. Ultra performance meltable carrier polymers such as Polyetherehterketone (PEEK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), Polyketoneketoneketone (PKKK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and Polyaryletherketone (PEAK) as well as a number of high performance meltable carrier polymers described herein may be used as a substitute for the PEKK material in the blend. In addition, various lubricating/rheology modifying materials such as, but not limited to, Molybdenum Disulfide, Polytetrafluoroethelyne (PTFE), Graphite, Boron Nitride, Carbon or other lubricants/rheology modifying agents known in the art can be used as fillers in the blend. Clamp pad (58) may be formed in a single piece; or clamp pad (58) may be formed by two separate pieces. Various illustrative variations of clamp pad (58) will be described in greater detail below, while still other suitable configurations for clamp pad (58) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, clamp arm (44) has different shaped slots (53 a, 55 a) for accepting clamp pad (58). This configuration may prevent mis-loading of clamp pad (58) and assure that clamp pad (58) is loaded at the correct location within clamp arm (44). For example, clamp arm (44) comprises a distal T-shaped slot (53 a) for accepting a T-shaped flange (53B) of distal portion (58A) of clamp pad (58); and a proximal wedged-shaped or dove tailed-shaped slot (55 a) for accepting a wedge-shaped flange (55B) of proximal portion (58B) of clamp pad (58). Clamp pad (58) may be inserted into clamp arm (44) by placing pad (58) within clamp arm (44) and then clamping clamp arm (44) down to snap flanges (53B, 55B) of pad (58) within slots (53 a, 53 b) to secure pad (58) to clamp arm (44). Tab stop (51) engages the proximal end of proximal clamp pad (58B) to secure clamp pad (58) onto clamp arm (44). It should be noted that flanges (53B, 55B) and corresponding slots (53 a, 55 a) may have alternate shapes and sizes to secure clamp pad (58) to clamp arm (44). Further, other tab stops (51) are possible and may employ various techniques for mechanically attaching clamp pad (58) to clamp arm (44), such as rivets, glue, press fit, etc.

Clamp arm (44) is pivoted relative to blade (100) by actuating handle assembly (20). Referring back to FIG. 1, handle assembly (20) comprises a body (22) including a pistol grip (24), a pair of buttons (26), and a trigger (28) that is pivotable toward and away from pistol grip (24). In the present example, pivoting of trigger (28) toward pistol grip (24) causes clamp arm (44) to move toward ultrasonic blade (100); and pivoting of trigger (28) away from pistol grip (24) causes clamp arm (44) to move away from ultrasonic blade (100). It should be understood, however, that various other suitable configurations may be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, trigger (28) is pivotably coupled to handle assembly (20) via a pin (23A) such that trigger (28) rotates about an axis located below shaft assembly (30). Trigger (28) is coupled with a yoke (21) via a linkage (29) such that rotation of trigger (28) about pin (23A) causes longitudinal translation of yoke (21). A first end (29A) of linkage (29) is rotatably coupled with a proximal portion of trigger (28) via a pin (23B). A second end (29B) of linkage (29) is rotatably coupled with a proximal portion of yoke (26) via a pin (23C). A pair of elongate oval-shaped projections (27) extends inwardly from interior surfaces of body (22). An interior surface of each oval-shaped projection (27) defines an elongate oval-shaped slot (27A). Pin (23C) passes completely through the proximal portion of yoke (26) and second end (29B) of linkage (29) such that ends of pin (23C) extend from opposite sides of yoke (26). These ends of pin (23C) are slidably and rotatably disposed within oval-shaped slots (27A). A pin (23D) passes completely through a distal portion of yoke (26) such that ends of pin (23D) extend from opposite sides of yoke (21). These ends of pin (23D) are slidably and rotatably disposed within oval-shaped slots (27A). It should therefore be understood that yoke (21) is longitudinally translatable via pins (23C, 23D) within oval-shaped slots (27A) between a proximal longitudinal position and a distal longitudinal position. Furthermore, because the proximal portion of trigger (28) is coupled with yoke (21) via linkage (29), it should be understood that pivoting of trigger (28) toward pistol grip (24) will cause proximal longitudinal translation of yoke (21) within oval-shaped slots (27A); and that pivoting of trigger (28) away from pistol grip (24) will cause distal longitudinal translation of yoke (21) within oval-shaped slots (27A).

A distal portion of yoke (21) is coupled with inner tube (34) of shaft assembly (30) via a coupling assembly (37). As discussed above, inner tube (34) is longitudinally translatable within outer sheath (32). It should therefore be understood that inner tube (34) is configured to longitudinally translate concomitantly with yoke (21). Furthermore, because pivoting of trigger (28) toward pistol grip (24) causes proximal longitudinal translation of yoke (21), it should be understood that pivoting of trigger (28) toward pistol grip (24) will cause proximal longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) relative to outer sheath (32) and handle assembly (20). Finally, because pivoting of trigger (28) away from pistol grip (24) causes distal longitudinal translation of yoke (21), it should be understood that and that pivoting of trigger (28) away from pistol grip (24) will cause distal longitudinal translation of inner tube (34) relative to outer sheath (32) and handle assembly (20). As shown in FIG. 4, a spring (36) is positioned within a proximal end of body (22) of handle assembly (20). Spring (36) bears distally against a portion of body (22) and a proximal end of yoke (21) to thereby bias yoke (21) toward the distal position. Biasing of yoke (21) toward the distal position causes inner tube (34) to be biased distally and further causes trigger (28) to be biased away from pistol grip (24). Clamp arm (44) is thus resiliently biased to the open position shown in FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic transducer assembly (12) extends proximally from body (22) of handle assembly (20). As will be discussed in more detail below, transducer assembly (12) receives electrical power from generator (16) and converts that power into ultrasonic vibrations through piezoelectric principles as will be described in greater detail below. Generator (16) may include a power source and control module that is configured to provide a power profile to transducer assembly (12) that is particularly suited for the generation of ultrasonic vibrations through transducer assembly (12). By way of example only, generator (16) may comprise a GEN 300 sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition or in the alternative, generator (16) may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0087212, entitled “Surgical Generator for Ultrasonic and Electrosurgical Devices,” published Apr. 14, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,302 on Mar. 24, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. It should also be understood that at least some of the functionality of generator (16) may be integrated into handle assembly (20), and that handle assembly (20) may even include a battery or other on-board power source such that cable (14) is omitted. Still other suitable forms that generator (16) may take, as well as various features and operabilities that generator (16) may provide, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, transducer assembly (12) of the present example is a tubular component that is coupled to generator (16) via cable (14), though it should be understood that transducer assembly (12) may receive power from a source that is integral with instrument (10) such that transducer assembly (12) is cordless. As shown in FIG. 5, transducer assembly (12) of the present example includes a housing (60), which is acoustically isolated from ultrasonically vibrating elements of transducer assembly (12). The distal end of transducer assembly (12) includes a first conductive ring (65) and a second conductive ring (64), which are both disposed within housing (60) of transducer assembly (12). First conductive ring (65) comprises a ring member that is disposed between housing (60) and a horn (66), which extends distally from housing (60). Horn (66) comprises a threaded stud (67) extending distally therefrom such that horn (66) may be threadably coupled with a threaded bore (104) formed in a proximal end of waveguide (102) (see FIG. 4). First conductive ring (65) is formed adjacent to, or as part of a flange (61) within a transducer cavity (62) such that first conductive ring (65) is electrically isolated from second conductive ring (64) and other conductive components of transducer assembly (12). First conductive ring (65) is located on a non-conductive platform extending distally from housing (60). First conductive ring (65) is electrically coupled to a cable, such as cable (14) shown in FIG. 1, by one or more electrical wires or conductive etchings (not shown) within housing (60).

Second conductive ring (64) of transducer assembly (12) similarly comprises a ring member that is disposed between housing (60) and horn (66). Second conductive ring (64) is disposed between first conductive ring (65) and horn (66). As is shown in FIG. 5, first and second conductive rings (64, 65) are concentric members that are longitudinally offset from each other, with conductive ring (65) also being positioned at a greater radial distance from the central axis shared by conductive rings (64, 65). Second conductive ring (64) is likewise electrically isolated from first conductive ring (65) and other conductive components of transducer assembly (12). Similar to first conductive ring (65), second conductive ring (64) extends from the non-conductive platform. One or more washer-shaped spacers (63) may be disposed between first and second conductive rings (64, 65) or between the rings (64, 65) and other members of transducer assembly (12). Second conductive ring (64) is also electrically coupled to a cable, such as cable (14) shown in FIG. 1, by one or more electrical wires or conductive etchings (not shown) within housing (60). One merely exemplary suitable ultrasonic transducer assembly (12) is Model No. HP054, sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio.

As previously discussed, the distal end of transducer assembly (12) threadably couples with a threaded bore (104) formed in the proximal end of waveguide (102) via threaded stud (67) of horn (66). The distal end of transducer assembly (12) also interfaces with one or more electrical connections (not shown) via first and second conductive rings (64, 65) to electrically couple transducer assembly (12) to buttons (26) to provide a user with finger-activated controls for activating transducer assembly (12) while using surgical instrument (10). In some variations, first and second conductive rings (64, 65) may be omitted from the distal end of transducer assembly (12) and the electrical coupling of transducer assembly (12) to buttons (126) may be accomplished by alternative structures, such as conductors at the proximal end of transducer assembly (12), conductors located along the side of housing (60) of transducer assembly (12), directly from cable (14), and/or any other structures and configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIG. 6 depicts transducer assembly (12) with housing (60) removed. Mounting flange (68) near the distal end of transducer assembly (12) and piezoelectric stack (69) at the proximal end of transducer assembly (12) can be seen with housing (60) removed. When transducer assembly (12) of the present example is activated via a button (26), an electric field is created in piezoelectric stack (69), causing piezoelectric stack (69) and horn (66) to oscillate within and relative to housing (60). Mounting flange (68) is used to couple horn (66) to housing (60), to thereby support piezoelectric stack (69) in housing (60). Mounting flange (68) is located at a node associated with resonant ultrasonic vibrations communicated through piezoelectric stack (69) and horn (66). Transducer assembly (12) is operable to create mechanical energy, or vibrations, at an ultrasonic frequency (such as 55.5 kHz). If transducer assembly (12) is coupled to waveguide (102) via horn (66), then these mechanical oscillations are transmitted through waveguide (102) to ultrasonic blade (100) of end effector (40). In the present example, ultrasonic blade (100), being coupled to waveguide (102), oscillates at the ultrasonic frequency. Thus, when tissue is secured between ultrasonic blade (100) and clamp arm (44), the ultrasonic oscillation of ultrasonic blade (100) may sever and/or seal the tissue. While some exemplary features and configurations for transducer assembly (12) have been described, still other suitable features and configurations for transducer assembly (12) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Ultrasonic vibrations that are generated by transducer assembly (12) are communicated along an acoustic waveguide (102), which extends through shaft assembly (30) to reach ultrasonic blade (100), as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. As shown in FIG. 4, waveguide (102) is secured within shaft assembly (30) via a pin (33), which passes through waveguide (102) and shaft assembly (30). Pin (33) is located at a position along the length of waveguide (102) corresponding to a node associated with resonant ultrasonic vibrations communicated through waveguide (102). As noted above, when ultrasonic blade (100) is in an activated state (i.e., vibrating ultrasonically), ultrasonic blade (100) is operable to effectively cut through and seal tissue, particularly when the tissue is being compressed between clamp arm (44) and ultrasonic blade (100). It should be understood that waveguide (102) may be configured to amplify mechanical vibrations transmitted through waveguide (102). Furthermore, waveguide (102) may include features operable to control the gain of the longitudinal vibrations along waveguide (102) and/or features to tune waveguide (102) to the resonant frequency of the system.

In the present example, the distal end of ultrasonic blade (100) is located at a position corresponding to an anti-node associated with resonant ultrasonic vibrations communicated through waveguide (102), in order to tune the acoustic assembly to a preferred resonant frequency f_(o) when the acoustic assembly is not loaded by tissue. When transducer assembly (12) is energized, the distal end of ultrasonic blade (100) is configured to move longitudinally in the range of, for example, approximately 10 to 500 microns peak-to-peak, and in some instances in the range of about 20 to about 200 microns at a predetermined vibratory frequency f_(o) of, for example, 55.5 kHz. When transducer assembly (12) of the present example is activated, these mechanical oscillations are transmitted through waveguide (102) to reach ultrasonic blade (100), thereby providing oscillation of ultrasonic blade (100) at the resonant ultrasonic frequency. Thus, when tissue is secured between ultrasonic blade (100) and clamp pad (58), the ultrasonic oscillation of ultrasonic blade (100) may simultaneously sever the tissue and denature the proteins in adjacent tissue cells, thereby providing a coagulative effect with relatively little thermal spread. In some versions, an electrical current may also be provided through one or both of ultrasonic blade (100) or clamp pad (58) to electro-cauterize the tissue. For instance, monopolar or bipolar RF energy may be provided through one or both of ultrasonic blade (100) or clamp pad (58). While some configurations for an acoustic transmission assembly and transducer assembly (12) have been described, still other suitable configurations for an acoustic transmission assembly and transducer assembly (12) will be apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Similarly, other suitable configurations for end effector (40) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

An operator may activate buttons (26) to selectively activate transducer assembly (12) to thereby activate ultrasonic blade (100). In the present example, two buttons (26) are provided—one for activating ultrasonic blade (100) at a low power and another for activating ultrasonic blade (100) at a high power. However, it should be understood that any other suitable number of buttons and/or otherwise selectable power levels may be provided. Buttons (26) of the present example are positioned such that an operator may readily fully operate instrument (10) with a single hand. For instance, the operator may position their thumb about pistol grip (24), position their middle, ring, and/or little finger about trigger (28), and manipulate buttons (26) using their index finger. Of course, any other suitable techniques may be used to grip and operate instrument (10); and buttons (26) may be located at any other suitable positions. It should also be understood that various other kinds of user input features may be used to selectively activate transducer assembly (12). For instance, a foot pedal may be provided to selectively activate transducer assembly (12).

The foregoing components and operabilities of instrument (10) are merely illustrative. Instrument (10) may be configured in numerous other ways as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, at least part of instrument (10) may be constructed and/or operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of any of the following, the disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,055; 5,873,873; 5,980,510; 6,325,811; 6,783,524; U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0079874, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0191713,now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0282333, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2008/0200940, now abandoned; U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0069940, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,071 on May 5, 2015; U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0015660, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,744 on Jun. 11, 2013; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0112687, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,058 on Jul. 5, 2016; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116265, now abandoned; U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/538,588, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,037 on Jul. 19, 2016; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,553, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,367 on Aug. 4, 2015. Additional merely illustrative variations for instrument (10) will be described in greater detail below. It should be understood that the below described variations may be readily applied to instrument (10) described above and any of the instruments referred to in any of the references that are cited herein, among others.

II. Exemplary Clamp Pad Retention Variations

In some instances, clamp pad (58) may be undesirably removed from clamp arm (44). For instance, a user may improperly attempt to remove a clamp pad (58) from clamp arm (44). It may therefore be desirable to make it more difficult to remove clamp pad (58) from clamp arm (44). In addition or in the alternative, there may be other reasons to change the relationship between clamp pad (58) and clamp arm (44), such that clamp pad (58) is secured to clamp arm (44) in a manner different from that described above. Various exemplary alternative relationships between clamp pad (58) and clamp arm (44) will be described in greater detail below, while still other exemplary alternative relationships will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should be understood that the below examples may be readily incorporated into instrument (10), such that various teachings below may be readily combined with various teachings above as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

A. Exemplary Clamp Arm with an Overmolded Clamp Pad

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary clamp arm (144) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (144) does not include slots (53 a, 55 a) to receive a clamp pad (58). Instead, a clamp pad (158) is secured to clamp arm (144) via an overmold technique (FIGS. 9-10). Clamp arm (144) of the present example includes a pair of mounting extensions (156). Each extension (156) has a respective pin (135) and pin opening (146). Clamp arm (144) of the present example is formed of aluminum. However, any other suitable material or combination of materials may be used to form clamp arm (144).

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary mold (200) that may be used to secure clamp pad (158) with clamp arm (144) by forming clamp pad (158) on clamp arm (144). Mold (200) includes a recess (234), a pair of stand-off posts (248), and a channel (246). Recess (234) is shaped to complement clamp arm (144) yet is sized larger than clamp arm (144). Stand-off posts (248) are configured to support clamp arm (144) within recess (234) and provide a gap between the surface of recess (234) and the outer surface of clamp arm (144). Clamp arm (144) is then placed within recess (234) such that extensions (156) on the proximal portion of clamp arm (144) are positioned within extensions (256) on the proximal portion of mold (200). Extensions (256) of mold (200) may be sized to engage extensions (156) of clamp arm (144) to thereby hold clamp arm (144) in place relative to mold (200). Clamp arm (144) may then be enclosed within mold (200). For example, another metal plate having any suitable configuration may be placed over mold (200) to enclose clamp arm (144) within mold (200). Other suitable methods of enclosing clamp arm (144) in mold (200) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Channel (246) extends transversely across a proximal portion of recess (234). Channel (246) may be in fluid communication with a sprue feed. A coating material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or other material(s), may then be introduced into mold (200) through channel (246). The introduced coating material fills recess (234) to thereby coat the distal portion of clamp arm (144) to form clamp pad (158), as shown in FIGS. 9-10. As the coating material fills recess (234) proximally, the coating material then runs through the opposite channel (246) and out of mold (200). When the coating material runs out of the exit channel (246), extensions (156) of clamp arm (144) may remain uncoated. Accordingly, clamp pad (158) is secured to clamp arm (144) by mechanical and thermal bonding through a one-shot coating process. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, clamp pad (158) is molded onto clamp arm (144) to encompass the entire distal portion of clamp arm (144). In other versions, clamp pad (158) may cover selected portions of clamp arm (144), such as the distal portion of clamp arm (144) that is adjacent to blade (100). Other selected coating areas will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that various kinds of surface features may be formed in the tissue contacting region (159) of clamp pad (158) through the molding process. Several merely illustrative examples of such surface features are described in greater detail below, while other examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

When clamp arm (144) is removed from mold (200), clamp arm (144) with overmolded clamp pad (158) may then be coupled with inner tube (34) of shaft assembly (30) via integral pins (135) of clamp arm (144). Clamp arm (144) with overmolded clamp pad (158) may also be coupled with outer sheath (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing a pin (45) through openings (146) on clamp arm (144).

In some versions, clamp arm (144) is coupled with inner tube (34) via an additional coupling device (260). FIG. 11 shows another exemplary clamp arm (244) that is similar to clamp arm (144) in that clamp arm (244) comprises an overmolded clamp pad (258). However, clamp arm (244) of this example comprises a proximal extension (242) that is configured to be inserted within coupling device (260). In the present example, clamp pad (258) is molded distal to extension (242). As shown in FIGS. 12-13, coupling device (260) comprises a distal portion (261) and a pair of proximal extensions (263). Distal portion (261) defines an opening (266) that is configured to receive extension (242) of clamp arm (242). Proximal extensions (263) define openings (264) that are used to assemble coupling device (260) with inner tube (34) of instrument (10).

FIG. 14 shows clamp arm (244) assembled with coupling device (260). Extension (242) of clamp arm (244) is inserted within opening (266) of coupling device (260). Opening (266) may be sized to provide a friction fit with clamp arm (244) to secure clamp arm (244) in place relative to coupling device (260). Coupling device (260) may further include a resilient member (not shown) that is resiliently biased to engage extension (242) of clamp arm (244) when extension (242) is inserted within coupling device (260). Accordingly, an assist tool may be used to insert and/or remove clamp arm (244) with coupling device (260). Other suitable methods of securing clamp arm (244) within coupling device (260) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. As shown in FIG. 14, the proximal end of clamp arm (244) engages extensions (263) of coupling device (260). Coupling device (260) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure coupling device (260) to inner tube (34). Extensions (263) may be coupled with outer sheath (32) of instrument (10) by placing pin (45) through openings (264) of coupling device (260). Coupling device (260) may therefore allow repeated clamping by clamp arm (244). In some versions, clamp arm (244) and overmolded clamp pad (258) may be removed from coupling device (260) without removing coupling device (260) from instrument (10) to separately dispose of clamp arm (244) and clamp pad (258) after use. Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

B. Exemplary Clamp Arm Retention Tabs

FIG. 15 shows a clamp arm (344) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (344) comprises a plurality of inwardly directed tabs (348). Tabs (348) extend upwardly from clamp arm (344) and inwardly toward each other. Before tabs (348) are bent inwardly toward each other, a clamp pad (358), which is similar to clamp pad (58), may be inserted within clamp arm (344). Tabs (348) may then be bent inwardly toward each other to retain clamp pad (358) in clamp arm (344). Clamp arm (344) may then be coupled with inner tube (34) and outer sheath (32) as described above with respect to clamp arm (44). In addition to providing retention of clamp pad (358) in clamp arm (344), tabs (348) may further be used as grasping teeth to help grasp tissue between clamp arm (344) and ultrasonic blade (100).

In some versions, instrument (10) may be operable to seal tissue by applying RF energy to tissue. An example of a surgical instrument that is operable to seal tissue by applying RF energy to the tissue is the ENSEAL® Tissue Sealing Device by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio. Further examples of such devices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,440, entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use,” issued Apr. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. RF energy delivery capabilities of instrument (10) may be provided in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the above-cited reference. In versions of instrument (10) that include RF energy delivery capabilities, tabs (348) may further be used as RF electrodes. By way of example only, each tab (348) may be used as a discrete active electrode for monopolar RF electrocautery. As another merely illustrative example, tabs (348) may be used in pairs of provide bipolar RF electrocautery. Other suitable configurations and operabilities for tabs (348) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

C. Exemplary Clamp Pad Carrier

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary clamp arm assembly (440) that includes a clamp arm (444), a carrier (460), and a clamp pad (458). As shown in FIG. 17, clamp arm (444) is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (444) comprises a plurality of slots (448) extending through the distal portion of clamp arm (444). FIG. 18 shows a carrier (460) comprising extensions (462), retention walls (464), and a channel (466). The plurality of extensions (464) extend outwardly from carrier (460) and are configured to be inserted within slots (448) of clamp arm (444). Walls (464) of carrier (460) extend inwardly to form channel (466), which extends longitudinally through carrier (460). Clamp pad (458) is configured to be inserted within channel (466) of carrier (460). As best seen in FIG. 19, clamp pad (458) comprises a ledge (456) on each side of clamp pad (458) complements and engages a corresponding wall (464) of carrier (460).

To form clamp arm assembly (440) as shown in FIGS. 20-21, clamp pad (458) is inserted within channel (466) of carrier (460). Walls (464) of carrier (464) engage ledges (456) of clamp pad (458) to maintain clamp pad (458) within carrier (460). A portion of clamp pad (458) extends beyond carrier (460), past walls (464), to engage ultrasonic blade (100) or tissue against ultrasonic blade (100). With clamp pad (458) inserted in carrier (460), carrier (460) is then inserted within clamp arm (444) such that extensions (462) of carrier (460) are positioned within slots (448) of clamp arm (444). In the present example, extensions (462) extend beyond the outer surface clamp arm (444). The exposed portions of extensions (462) are further be secured to clamp arm (444) using an adhesive, heat staking, ultrasonic staking, and/or any other suitable technique as will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Extensions (462) thereby secure carrier (460) relative to clamp arm (444). In some other versions, extensions (462) are embedded within clamp arm (444). Once carrier (460) is secured to clamp arm (444), clamp arm assembly (440) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings (446) on clamp arm (444). Clamp arm (444) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (444) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

D. Exemplary Clamp Arm With Barbs

FIG. 22 shows another exemplary clamp arm (544) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (544) of this example comprises a plurality of barbs (560) extending outwardly from an inner wall (548) of clamp arm (544). Although barbs (560) are shown in FIG. 22 as extending from a bottom surface of clamp arm (544), barbs (560) may extend from any inner surface of clamp arm (544). Barbs (560) may be formed on inner wall (548) of clamp arm (544) through any suitable process, such as machining, forming, molding, growing, a MEMS process, etc. As best seen in FIG. 24, each barb (560) comprises a protrusion (562) that projects outwardly from barb (560). Barbs (560) may therefore engage clamp pad (558) to secure clamp pad (558) relative to clamp arm (544). FIG. 23 shows a version of clamp pad (558) that defines a plurality of openings (556) that correspond to barbs (560). Accordingly, clamp pad (558) is inserted within clamp arm (544) such that barbs (560) are positioned within openings (556) of clamp pad (558), as shown in FIG. 24.

In some versions, openings (556) are omitted from clamp pad (558) such that barbs (560) are driven through and into an exterior surface of clamp pad (558). Clamp pad (558) may be pressed onto barbs (560) without preheating clamp pad (558). Alternatively, clamp pad (558) and/or clamp arm (544) may be preheated to assist in forming of clamp pad (558) around barbs (560). In some variations, barbs (560) are replaced with T-shaped nanonails. Other suitable configurations for barbs (560) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Once clamp pad (558) is secured to clamp arm (544), clamp arm (544) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings (546) on clamp arm (544). Clamp arm (544) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (544) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

E. Exemplary Laterally Grooved Clamp Arm

FIGS. 25-26 show another exemplary clamp arm (644) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (644) of this example comprises a plurality of grooves (648) extending laterally across clamp arm (644). As best seen in FIG. 26, grooves (648) extend at an oblique angle across clamp arm (644) to lengthen the retention area. While grooves (648) extend at oblique angles relative to the longitudinal axis of clamp arm (644) in this example, grooves (648) extend along paths that are parallel to each other. In some other versions, grooves (648) extend across clamp arm (644) along respective paths that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of clamp arm (644). Grooves (648) are configured to receive complementary protrusions (656) of clamp pad (658). Clamp pad (658) is similar to clamp pad (58), except that protrusions (656) extend outwardly from clamp pad (658) along paths that are oblique to the longitudinal axis of clamp pad (658). In the present example, protrusions (656) and grooves (648) have a dove-tailed configuration to retain protrusions (656) within grooves (648). Of course, other suitable configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Accordingly, clamp pad (658) is inserted within clamp arm (644) such that grooves (648) of clamp arm (644) receive protrusions (656) of clamp pad (658) to thereby retain clamp pad (658) relative to clamp arm (644), as shown in FIG. 25.

Once clamp pad (658) is secured to clamp arm (644), clamp arm (644) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings (646) on clamp arm (644). Clamp arm (644) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (644) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

F. Exemplary Clamp Arm with T-Slot

FIGS. 27A-27B show another exemplary clamp arm (744) for use with instrument (10). Clamp arm (744) is similar to clamp arm (44) in that clamp arm (744) includes a distal T-shaped slot (749) and a proximal wedged-shaped or dovetail-shaped slot (747). T-shaped slot (749) is similar to T-shaped slot (53 a) of clamp arm (44) and wedged-shaped slot (747) is similar to wedged-shaped slot (55 a) of clamp arm (44). However, as shown in FIG. 27A, T-shaped slot (749) of clamp arm (744) extends distally longer than T-shaped slot (53 a) of clamp arm (44). Accordingly, wedged-shaped slot (747) of the present example is shorter than wedged-shaped slot (55 a) of clamp arm (44). This may help retain a clamp pad (58) within clamp arm (744). As shown in FIG. 27B, clamp arm (744) comprises a distal portion (745) with T-shaped slot (749) and a proximal portion (743) with wedged-shaped slot (747). This may allow for machinability of clamp arm (744) such that distal portion (745) is assembled with proximal portion (743) after the pieces are machined. Of course, clamp arm (744) may be formed from one integral piece. Other suitable slot (747, 749) configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Once a clamp pad (58) is secured to clamp arm (744), clamp arm (744) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings (746) on clamp arm (744). Clamp arm (744) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (744) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

G. Exemplary Clamp Arm with Sidewall Slots

FIGS. 28 and 30 show another exemplary clamp arm (844) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (844) of this examples comprises side channels (842) extending longitudinally within clamp arm (844). Channels (842) are configured to receive protrusions (856) of a clamp pad (858). As best seen in FIG. 29, clamp pad (858) is similar to clamp pad (58), except that clamp pad (858) comprises a plurality of protrusions (856) extending outwardly from clamp pad (858) in the form of rails. Protrusions (856) are configured to be inserted within channels (842) of clamp arm (844) to thereby maintain clamp pad (858) within clamp arm (844), as shown in FIG. 28. In the present example, clamp pad (858) defines recesses (854) between protrusions (856) of clamp pad (858). Channels (842) of clamp arm (844) may include corresponding protrusions that insert within recesses (854) of clamp pad (858) to further secure clamp pad (858) with clamp arm (844). Other suitable channel (842) and protrusion (856) configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Once clamp pad (858) is secured to clamp arm (844), clamp arm (844) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings, similar to openings (46), on clamp arm (844). Clamp arm (844) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (844) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

H. Exemplary Clamp Arm Pin

FIG. 31 shows a clamp arm (944) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (944) defines a transverse opening (942) that is configured to receive a retention pin (960). In the present example, clamp arm (944) is coupled with clamp pad (958). Clamp pad (958) is similar to clamp pad (58), except that clamp pad (958) defines an indentation (956) that is configured to receive pin (960). Accordingly, clamp pad (958) is coupled with clamp arm (944) such that opening (942) of clamp arm (944) is aligned with indentation (956) of clamp pad (958). Pin (960) may then be inserted through opening (942) and into indentation (956), as shown in FIG. 31. Pin (960) may be held in place within opening (942) of clamp arm (944) by an interference fit with opening (942), or pin (960) may be welded in place, or pin (960) may be secured in clamp arm (944) in any other suitable fashion. Other suitable methods for securing pin (960) within opening (942) of clamp arm (944) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Pin (960) may interface with clamp pad (958) by pressing clamp pad (985) away from clamp arm (944), thereby driving a dovetail rail, T-shaped rail, or other kind of rail against inner surfaces of a complementary channel in clamp arm (944) to locking clamp pad (985) in place through friction. In addition or in the alternative, pin (960) may provide a positive stop proximal to clamp pad (958) such that pin (960) prevents clamp pad (985) from sliding proximally relative to clamp arm (944). A distal boss (954) of clamp arm (944) may prevent clamp pad (985) from sliding distally relative to clamp arm (944), such that clamp pad (985) is longitudinally captured between distal boss (954) and pin (960).

While indentation (956) only engages the distal portion of the bottom of pin (960) in the present example, indentation (956) may instead be formed as an opening to fully enclose pin (960) within clamp pad (958). This may further prevent clamp pad (958) from moving distally relative to clamp arm (944). Other suitable relationships between pin (960) and clamp pad (958) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Similarly, other suitable configurations for pin (960) and clamp pad (958) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Once clamp pad (958) is secured to clamp arm (944), clamp arm (944) may then be coupled with outer tube (32) of shaft assembly (30) by placing pin (45) through openings (946) on clamp arm (944). Clamp arm (944) may include integral inwardly directed pins, similar to pins (35), to pivotally secure clamp arm (944) to inner tube (34). Other coupling configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

III. Exemplary Clamp Arm With Tissue Grasping Features

In some instances, it may be desirable to include grasping features on clamp pad (58), clamp arm (44), and/or blade (100) that facilitates the grasping of tissue between clamp pad (58) and blade (100). Such tissue grasping features may thereby improve sealing and/or cutting of the tissue between clamp pad (58) and blade (100). In addition or in the alternative, such grasping features may prevent migration of tissue between clamp pad (58) and blade (100) while blade (100) is ultrasonically activated. Several exemplary grasping features that may be incorporated into clamp pad (58) are discussed in greater detail below, while several other examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

A. Exemplary Clamp Pad with Grooves

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary alternative clamp pad (1058) that is similar to clamp pad (58), except that clamp pad (1058) of this example comprises a plurality of grooves (1056) extending across an exterior surface of clamp pad (1058). Grooves (1056) may be positioned adjacent to blade (100) (and/or tissue) when clamp pad (1058) is assembled within clamp arm (44) of instrument (10) such that grooves (1056) act to help grasp tissue between clamp pad (1058) and blade (100). In the present example, grooves (1056) extend transversely across clamp pad (1058), along paths that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of clamp pad (1058). Alternatively, grooves (1056) may extend across clamp pad (1058) at varying angles. For example, FIG. 33 shows a clamp pad (1158) that is similar to clamp pad (1058), except that clamp pad (1158) includes grooves (1154, 1156) that extend obliquely across an exterior surface of clamp pad (1158). In particular, one set of parallel grooves (1154) is positioned at a first oblique angle and another set of parallel grooves (1156) are positioned at a second oblique angle such that grooves (1156) form a criss-cross pattern with grooves (1154). Accordingly, grooves (1154, 1156) may act as a file against tissue positioned between clamp pad (1158) and blade (100) when blade (100) is ultrasonically activated.

Grooves (1154, 1156) may be machined into clamp pad (1158) using a two pass operation and/or using any suitable technique. Other suitable configurations and arrangements for grooves (1056, 1154, 1156) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that grooves (1056, 1154, 1156) may be substituted with ridges. As yet another merely illustrative alternative, grooves (1056, 1154, 1156) may be complemented with ridges (e.g., a ridge extending along one or more boundaries of grooves (1056, 1154, 1156), etc.).

B. Exemplary Clamp Pad with Bristles

FIGS. 34-35 show an exemplary alternative clamp pad (1258) that is similar to clamp pad (58), except that clamp pad (1258) of this example comprises bristles (1256) extending outwardly from clamp pad (1258). Bristles (1256) may be positioned adjacent to blade (100) (and/or tissue) when clamp pad (1258) is assembled within clamp arm (44) of instrument (10) such that bristles (1256) act to help grasp tissue between clamp pad (1258) and blade (100). Bristles (1256) may be formed from a rigid or compliant material. As best seen in FIG. 35, bristles (1256) extend from clamp pad (1258) to an equal height. Alternatively, bristles (1256) may extend from clamp pad (1058) at varying heights. For example, FIG. 36 shows a clamp pad (1358) that is similar to clamp pad (1258), except that clamp pad (1358) includes bristles (1356) that extend at varying heights from clamp pad (1358). Although bristles (1256, 1356) are shown to be laterally and longitudinally aligned with each other, bristles (1256, 1356) may also be misaligned in the lateral and/or longitudinal direction on clamp pad (1258, 1358). In addition or in the alternative, bristles (1256, 1356) may extend at oblique angles from clamp pad (1258, 1358). Other suitable configurations and arrangements for bristles (1256, 1356) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

C. Exemplary Clamp Pad with Teeth

As noted above, the distal portion (58A) of clamp pad (58) includes teeth that have a sawtooth-like configuration, where the teeth extend along paths that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of clamp pad (58). Alternatively, teeth on a clamp pad (58) may have various other configurations that may further promote gripping of tissue by clamp pad (58). For example, FIG. 37 shows a clamp pad (1458) that comprises a plurality of teeth (1456) extending transversely across an exterior surface of clamp pad (1458), such that the crests of teeth (1456) extend along paths that are angled obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of clamp pad (1458). Teeth (1456) protrude outwardly from clamp pad (1458) and may be positioned adjacent to blade (100) and tissue to help in grasping tissue between clamp pad (1458) and blade (100). Of course, teeth (1456) may include other configurations. For example, FIG. 38 shows a clamp pad (1558) that is similar to clamp pad (1458), except that clamp pad (1558) comprises a plurality of teeth (1556) in a chevron configuration pointing in a proximal direction. Teeth (1556) may also point in the opposing direction. For instance, FIG. 39 shows a clamp pad (1658) that is similar to clamp pad (1558), except that teeth (1656) of clamp pad (1658) include a chevron configuration pointing in a distal direction. Alternatively, FIG. 40 shows a clamp pad (1758) that is similar to clamp pad (1558), except that clamp pad (1758) includes teeth (1756) in a semi-circular configuration pointing in a proximal direction. Of course, teeth (1756) may also point in the opposing direction. For instance, FIG. 41 shows a clamp pad (1858) that is similar to clamp pad (1758), except that teeth (1856) of clamp pad (1858) include a semi-circular configuration pointing in a distal direction. Still other suitable tooth configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 42-43 show a clamp pad (1958) that comprises bi-level teeth (1954, 1956). In the present example, clamp pad (1958) comprises a first row of teeth (1956) that extends longitudinally along a central portion of clamp pad (1958). A second and third row of teeth (1954) are positioned laterally along each side of the first row of teeth (1956). The second rows of teeth (1954) extend to a different height than the first row of teeth (1956). As best seen in FIG. 43, teeth (1954) are positioned below teeth (1956). Of course, teeth (1954) may alternatively be positioned above teeth (1956). Teeth (1954, 1956) may therefore be positioned adjacent to blade (100) and tissue to help in grasping tissue between clamp pad (1958) and blade (100). In some versions, teeth (1954) are configured differently from teeth (1956), in addition to or as an alternative to teeth (1954) extending to a different height than teeth (1956). By way of example only, teeth (1954) may have a sawtooth configuration that is oriented proximally while teeth (1956) have a sawtooth configuration that is oriented distally; or vice versa. Other suitable configurations that may be used for teeth (1954, 1956), as well as other suitable relationships between teeth (1954, 1956), will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

D. Exemplary U-Shaped Clamp Arm

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide clamp arm (44) with tissue grasping capabilities without having a feature like clamp pad (58). For instance, FIGS. 44-46 show an end effector (240) that is similar to end effector (40), except that end effector (240) comprises a clamp arm (2044) with a U-shaped configuration. A pivot arm (2048) pivotally secures clamp arm (2044) to shaft assembly (30) and defines an acute angle with clamp arm (2044). As best seen in FIG. 44, clamp arm (2044) is configured to wrap around the lateral sides and distal end of blade (2000). Clamp arm (2044) is further configured to travel past blade (2000) when clamp arm (2044) pivots from an open position to a closed position. In other words, the distal portion of clamp arm (2044) crosses over the longitudinal axis of blade (2000), from one side of the longitudinal axis of blade (2000) to the other side of the longitudinal axis of blade (2000), as clamp arm (2044) pivots from an open position to a closed position.

FIG. 45A shows clamp arm (2044) in the open position relative to blade (2000). In the open position, tissue may be positioned between clamp arm (2044) and blade (2000). Trigger (28) may then be actuated to pivot clamp arm (2044) to the closed position shown in FIG. 45B. Clamp arm (2044) pivots around pin (2046) to travel across the longitudinal axis of blade (2000) and past blade (2000). This captures tissue (2) between clamp arm (2044) and blade (2000) to thereby pull tissue (2) over blade (2000), as shown in FIG. 46. This may allow blade (2000) to seal and/or cut tissue (2) in a decreased amount of time. In addition or in the alternative, clamp arm (2044) may provide a shearing action on tissue at both sides of blade (200). Clamp arm (2044) may further allow for advanced hemostasis without pressure on the top side of tissue (2). Other suitable configurations and operabilities for clamp arm (2044) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

E. Exemplary Curved Clamp Arm

In some versions of instrument (10), clamp arm (44) and blade (100) are both curved along respective planes that are perpendicular to the plane along which clamp arm pivots (44). In some other versions, clamp arm (44) and/or blade (100) is/are curved along a plane or planes that is/are parallel to the plane along which clamp arm (44) pivots. For instance, FIGS. 47A-47B show an end effector (340) that is similar to end effector (40), except that end effector (340) comprises a blade (2100) and clamp arm (2144) with clamp pad (2158) that are all vertically curved along a plane in line with the pivoting motion of clamp arm (2144). FIG. 48 shows a top view of end effector (340), which illustrates that the curvature of clamp arm (2144) is formed such that clamp arm (2144) and blade (2100) both longitudinally extend along planes that are aligned with the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (30). Referring back to FIGS. 47A-47B, blade (2100) of end effector (340) is curved to correspond to clamp arm (2144) and clamp pad (2158). The curve of blade (2100), clamp arm (2144), and clamp pad (2158) may enable clamp arm (2144) to better grasp tissue between blade (2100) and clamp pad (2158).

FIG. 47A shows clamp arm (2144) in the open position relative to blade (2100). In the open position, tissue may be positioned between clamp pad (2158) and blade (2100). Trigger (28) may then be actuated to pivot clamp arm (2144) to the closed position shown in FIG. 47B. Clamp arm (2144) pivots around pin (2146) to move toward blade (2100). The corresponding curvatures of clamp arm (2144), clamp pad (2158), and blade (2100) act to capture tissue between clamp pad (2158) and blade (2100) to thereby seal and/or cut the tissue. In this example, clamp arm (2144) and clamp pad (2158) are curved convexly relative to the tissue capture region between clamp pad (2158) and blade (2100); while blade (2100) is curved concavely relative to the tissue capture region between clamp pad (2158) and blade (2100).

The curvature of end effector (340) may provide the user with a type of visibility that differs from the visibility provided by end effector (40). The curvature of clamp arm (2144) may further provide for a different form of tissue dissection relative to end effector (40). For example, the top portion of clamp arm (2144) may be pressed against tissue and pulled proximally. The curve of clamp arm (2144) may hold the tissue against clamp arm (2144) to thereby bluntly dissect the tissue as clamp arm (2144) is pulled proximally. Of course, other suitable clamp arm (2144) configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 49A-49B show another exemplary end effector (440) that is similar to end effector (340), except that clamp arm (2244), clamp pad (2258), and blade (2200) are curved concavely to provide an alternate view of visibility relative to end effector (340). In particular, clamp arm (2244) and clamp pad (2258) are curved concavely relative to the tissue capture region between clamp pad (2258) and blade (2200); while blade (2200) is curved convexly relative to the tissue capture region between clamp pad (2258) and blade (2200). FIG. 49A shows clamp arm (2244) in the open position relative to blade (2200). In the open position, tissue may be positioned between clamp pad (2258) and blade (2200). Trigger (28) may then be actuated to pivot clamp arm (2244) to the closed position shown in FIG. 49B. Clamp arm (2244) pivots around pin (2246) to move toward blade (2200). The corresponding curvatures of clamp arm (2244), clamp pad (2258), and blade (2200) act to capture tissue between clamp pad (2258) and blade (2200) to thereby seal and/or cut the tissue.

F. Exemplary Compliant Clamp Arm

FIGS. 50A-50B show an end effector (540) that is similar to end effector (340) in that blade (2300) is curved concavely relative to the tissue capture region between clamp a clamp pad (2358) and blade (2300). In this example, however, clamp arm (2344) and clamp pad (2358) have a straight configuration and are formed of a compliant material. In particular, clamp arm (2344) and clamp pad (2358) are resiliently biased to have a straight configuration as shown in FIG. 50A, which depicts end effector (540) in an open configuration. In this state, tissue may be positioned between clamp arm (2344) and blade (2300). Trigger (28) may then be actuated to pivot clamp arm (2344) to the closed position shown in FIG. 50B. Clamp arm (2344) pivots around pin (2346) to move toward blade (2300). As clamp arm (2344) pivots to the closed position, clamp arm (2344) and clamp pad (2358) bend to correspond to the shape of blade (2300). The distal end of clamp pad (2358) may contact blade (or tissue) first, followed by the proximal region of clamp pad (238) as clamp arm (2344) is pivoted toward the closed position.

The corresponding curvatures of clamp arm (2344), clamp pad (2358), and blade (2300) may act to better grasp tissue between clamp pad (2358) and blade (2300) to thereby seal and/or cut the tissue. By using a compliant clamp arm (2344), the stiffness of blade (2300) may be increased and the pressure profile between clamp pad (2358) and blade (2300) may be optimized to thereby better grasp, seal, and/or cut tissue. A compliant clamp arm (2344) may further compensate for manufacturing variations among parts of end effector (540). Although the present example shows clamp arm (2344) bending convexly to conform to the shape of blade (2300), other suitable compliant configurations for clamp arm (2344) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 51A-51B show an exemplary alternative clamp arm (2444) that bends to a straightened configuration against blade (2400). Clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2458) of this example are similar to clamp arm (2344) and clamp pad (2358), except that clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2458) are curved concavely relative to the tissue capture region between clamp a clamp pad (2458) and blade (2400) when clamp arm (2444) is in an open position (FIG. 51A). Clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2458) may be resiliently biased to assume this curved configuration. Blade (2400) is similar to blade (2300), except that blade (2400) has a straight configuration, such that blade (2400) extends along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (30).

Tissue may be positioned between clamp arm (2444) and blade (2400) in this open position as shown in FIG. 51A. Trigger (28) may then be actuated to pivot clamp arm (2444) to the closed position shown in FIG. 51B. Clamp arm (2444) pivots around pin (2446) to move toward blade (2400). As clamp arm (2444) pivots to the closed position, clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2458) bend to correspond to the straight configuration of blade (2400). The corresponding shapes of clamp arm (2444), clamp pad (2458), and blade (2400) may act to better grasp tissue between clamp pad (2458) and blade (2400) to thereby seal and/or cut the tissue.

To be compliant, spine (2448) of clamp arm (2444) may be formed from a compliant material to flex with blade (2400), while the distal portion of clamp arm (2444) may be more rigid than spine (2448). Spine (2448) may allow clamp arm (2444) to flatten and provide closure between both the distal and proximal portions of clamp arm (2444) with blade (2400). Of course, other suitable compliant configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art. For instance, FIG. 52 shows a clamp arm (2544) that is similar to clamp arm (2444), except that clamp arm (2544) comprises an overmolded clamp pad (2558). To allow clamp pad (2558) to flex with clamp arm (2544), clamp pad (2558) defines recesses (2556) in the overmold. While four recesses (2556) are shown in FIG. 52, any other suitable number of recesses (2556) may be used to allow for sufficient flexing of overmolded clamp pad (2558). Accordingly, recesses (2556) may flex to a wider configuration when clamp arm (2544) flexes to the closed position against blade (2400) to thereby allow clamp pad (2558) to flex with clamp arm (2544).

FIG. 53 shows an exemplary clamp arm (2644) comprising a compliant foam portion (2642). Clamp arm (2644) is similar to clamp arm (2444), except that clamp arm (2644) includes a recess (2647) and a block member (2648). Foam portion (2642) is positioned within recess (2647) of clamp arm (2644). Block member (2648) is interposed between clamp pad (2658) and foam portion (2642). Foam portion (2642) is resiliently biased to assume an expanded configuration, such that foam portion (2642) urges clamp pad (2658) away from clamp arm (2444). When tissue is not being compressed between clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100), a gap (2645) is defined between clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2658) due to the resilient bias imposed by foam portion (2642). However, when tissue is compressed between clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100), foam portion (2648) also compresses, reducing the size of gap (2645) or even eliminating gap (2645). In some instances, tissue between clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100) does not extend along the full length of clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100). Compliance in foam portion (2642) may accommodate this uneven thickness along the length of the interface between clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100); and may further provide a substantially even distribution of compression force along the length of tissue interposed between clamp pad (2658) and ultrasonic blade (100).

FIG. 54 shows an exemplary clamp arm (2744) comprising a leaf spring (2742). Clamp arm (2744) is similar to clamp arm (2644), except that clamp arm (2744) includes leaf spring (2742) instead of foam portion (2642). Leaf spring (2742) is positioned within recess (2747) of clamp arm (2744). Block member (2748) is interposed between clamp pad (2758) and leaf spring (2742). Leaf spring (2742) is resiliently biased to urge clamp pad (2758) away from clamp arm (2444). When tissue is not being compressed between clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100), a gap (2745) is defined between clamp arm (2444) and clamp pad (2758) due to the resilient bias imposed by leaf spring (2742). However, when tissue is compressed between clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100), leaf spring (2748) deforms to reduce the size of gap (2745) or even eliminating gap (2745). In some instances, tissue between clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100) does not extend along the full length of clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100). Compliance in leaf spring (2742) may accommodate this uneven thickness along the length of the interface between clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100); and may further provide a substantially even distribution of compression force along the length of tissue interposed between clamp pad (2758) and ultrasonic blade (100).

IV. Exemplary Clamp Arm With Blunt Dissection Features

The above examples are mainly described in the context of compressing tissue between a clamp pad (58) and ultrasonic blade (100). However, in some instances it may be desirable to use instrument (10) to perform a blunt dissection of tissue without necessarily capturing tissue between clamp pad (58) and ultrasonic blade (100) to sever/seal the tissue. For instance, end effector (40) may be inserted between two layers of tissue while clamp arm (44) is in a closed position, and then clamp arm (44) may be driven to the open position to separate the layers of tissue. Alternatively, with blade (100) in an inactive state, an outer surface of clamp arm (44) may be pressed against tissue and/or dragged against tissue to drive one tissue structure apart from another tissue structure. Accordingly, end effector (40) may be provided with one or more features that are configured to facilitate blunt dissection or additional methods of tissue dissection. The following are merely illustrative examples of blunt dissection features that may be readily incorporated into end effector (40). Other suitable blunt dissection features will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 55A-56 show a clamp arm (2844) that is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (2844) of this example comprises a pivoting dissection arm (2842) that may be used to bluntly dissect tissue. It should be understood that clamp arm (2844) may have a clamp pad, including but not limited to any of the various clamp pads described herein. As best seen in FIG. 56, arm (2842) has a T-shaped configuration with a bar (2842) extending transversely from clamp arm (2844). Arm (2842) is positioned on a distal portion of clamp arm (2844) and is pivotable relative to clamp arm (2844) via pin (2843).

Arm (2842) may be positioned against clamp arm (2844) in a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 55A, while clamp arm (2844) is being introduced to the surgical site and when end effector (40) is being used to seal/sever tissue clamped between clamp arm (2844) and blade (100). The present example shows arm (2842) being substantially flush with clamp arm (2844) in the stowed position. Alternatively, arm (2842) may be positioned above clamp arm (2844). When a blunt tissue dissection is desired, arm (2842) may be raised and pivoted away from clamp arm (2844), as shown in FIG. 55B. In the present example, bar (2841) of arm (2842) extends beyond clamp arm (2844), as shown in FIG. 56, to allow a user to grasp bar (2841) (e.g., using another instrument) to raise arm (2842). As another merely illustrative example, a free end of bar (2841) may be dragged against tissue to pivot arm (2842) to the deployed position. Other suitable methods for raising arm (2842) relative to clamp arm (2844) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

With arm (2842) in the raised position, tissue (2) may be positioned around a proximal side of arm (2842), as shown in FIG. 57. Clamp arm (2844) may then be pulled proximally to dissect tissue (2) with arm (2842). The T-shaped configuration of arm (2842) holds tissue (2) against arm (2842) during the dissection. Of course, arm (2842) may include other suitable configurations for holding tissue (2) on arm (2842). For instance, FIGS. 58-59 show a clamp arm (2944) having an arm (2942) with a curved hook-like configuration. Arm (2942) is similar to arm (2842), except that arm (2942) curves proximally and laterally along clamp arm (2944). As best seen in FIG. 58, arm (2942) extends past the lateral side of clamp arm (2944) to allow a user to grasp arm (2942) to pivot arm (2942) relative to clamp arm (2944). In the raised or deployed position, as shown in FIG. 59, arm (2942) may be used to hook tissue around arm (2942) to bluntly dissect the tissue. Other suitable configurations and operabilities that may be used and provided for arm (2842, 2942) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In some instances, it may be desirable to bluntly dissect tissue without raising an arm (2842, 2942). FIG. 60 shows an exemplary alternative clamp arm (3044) that may be used to bluntly dissect tissue. Clamp arm (3044) is similar to clamp arm (2844), except that clamp arm (3044) comprises a unitary protrusion (3048) on a distal portion of clamp arm (3044) instead of an arm (2842). Protrusion (3048) extends outwardly from clamp arm (3044) and includes a proximal surface (3042). Accordingly, protrusion (3048) may be pressed against tissue and pulled proximally such that proximal surface (3042) acts to perform a blunt dissection of the tissue. In settings where clamp arm (3044) is used to provide a spreading dissection by separating layers of tissue from each other, protrusion (3048) may assist with gripping one of the layers of tissue to thereby prevent the layer of tissue from slipping off of the distal end of clamp arm (3044).

In another exemplary variation as shown in FIG. 61, a clamp arm (3144) that is similar to clamp arm (3044) defines a recess (3148) on a distal portion of clamp arm (3144). Recess (3148) includes a distal surface (3143) and a proximal surface (3142). In the present example, distal surface (3143) is vertically aligned in clamp arm (3144) and proximal surface (3142) slopes distally to distal surface (3143). Of course, other suitable configurations for recess (3148) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In the present example, the distal portion of clamp arm (3144) may be pressed against tissue and pulled proximally such that the tissue may slide against proximal surface (3142) to distal surface (3143). Distal surface (3143) may then engage the tissue to perform a blunt dissection of the tissue. In settings where clamp arm (3144) is used to provide a spreading dissection by separating layers of tissue from each other, recess (3148) may assist with gripping one of the layers of tissue to thereby prevent the layer of tissue from slipping off of the distal end of clamp arm (3144). Other suitable clamp arm (3044, 3144) features for bluntly dissection tissue will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

V. Exemplary Clamp Arm With Porous Coating

In some instances, it may be desirable coat clamp arm (44) with a porous coating. An example of such a porous coating is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,839, entitled “Process for Thermally Spraying Porous Metal Coatings on Substrates,” issued Jul. 2, 1985, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. FIGS. 62A-62B show a clamp arm (3244), which is similar to clamp arm (44), except that clamp arm (3244) comprises a coating (3248) applied to the distal portion of clamp arm (3244). Coating (3248) may be a porous material, such as a metal, ceramic, etc. If a ceramic material is used in coating (3248), coating (3248) may act as an insulative layer by allowing air to reside in the pores of coating (3248), as shown in FIG. 62A, to help with the heat management of clamp arm (3244). In other words, coating (3248) may provide thermal insulation of clamp arm (3244).

When clamp arm (3244) is used within a patient, bodily fluids may penetrate coating (3248) and migrate into the pores of coating (3248), as shown in FIG. 62B. This may provide an additional cooling effect as the fluids evaporate off of clamp arm (3244), which may prevent the exterior of clamp arm (3244) from overheating. For instance, coating (3248) may prevent the exterior of clamp arm (3244) from exceeding 100° C. until the fluids are evaporated from clamp arm (3244). Since these bodily fluids, which may include blood, may have a different appearance than coating (3248), the fluids may change the color and/or appearance of coating (3248) when the fluids are absorbed by coating (3248). This may provide a visual indication that clamp arm (3244) has been used, as shown in FIG. 62B. It should be understood that the pore size of coating (3248) may effect the ease of removing these fluids from coating (3248). Suitable pore sizes may be selected by the user.

Coating (3248) of the present example is applied circumferentially around clamp arm (3244). Alternatively, coating (3248) may be applied to selected areas of clamp arm (3248), such as the top surface of clamp arm (3248), or other areas of instrument (10). It should also be understood that the underside of clamp arm (3244) may include a clamp pad similar to clamp pad (58). Coating (3248) may be absent from such a clamp pad, such that a tissue contacting surface of the clamp pad is exposed relative to clamp arm (3244) and relative to coating (3248). Other suitable configurations for coating (3248) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Although coating (3248) has been described for a clamp arm (3244) of an ultrasonic instrument (10), it should be noted that coating (3248) could also be incorporated into other instruments. For example, coating (3248) may be added to end effectors of RF electrosurgical devices, surgical stapling devices, and/or other suitable surgical instruments. By way of example only, surgical instrument (10) may comprise an electrosurgical instrument constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,176; 7,112,201; 7,125,409; 7,169,146; 7,186,253; 7,189,233; 7,220,951; 7,309,849; 7,311,709; 7,354,440; 7,381,209; U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0087218, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,974 on Jan. 27, 2015; ; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116379, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,803 on Oct. 20, 2015; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0078243, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,720 on Jan. 30, 2018; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0078247, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,682 on Aug. 2, 2016; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/622,729, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,089,327 on Jul. 28, 2015; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/622,735, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,545,253 on Jan. 17, 2017; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,784, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,421,060 on Aug. 23, 2016. The disclosures of each of the foregoing references are incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, surgical instrument (10) may comprise a surgical stapling and cutting instrument constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,101; U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0209990, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,174 on Feb. 25, 2014; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0239012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,914 on Jun. 4, 2013; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,308, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,445,816 on Sep. 20, 2016. The disclosures of each of the foregoing references are incorporated by reference herein.

VI. Exemplary clamp arm with a moldable pad material

Referring back to FIG. 2B and to FIG. 65, Clamp Pad (58) may be made of a blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). PBI is commercially available as Celazole® from PBI Performance Products, Inc. Charlotte, N.C. PEKK is commercially available as RTP 4100 Series PEKK from RTP Co., Winona, Minn. U.S. Pat. No. 7,915,351 describes a process to create various PBI/PEKK blends, and is incorporated herein by reference. PBI/PEKK formulations may also be provided by Polymics Ltd. of State College, Pa. It is known that the glass transition temperature, T_(g) (and hence the melting point) of different blends of PBI/PEKK materials is such that it changes based on the relative percentages of the PBI and PEKK materials used in the blend. As the Tg of the material increases, it is better able to withstand the normal temperatures of use for Clamp Pad (58). This ability to withstand the normal use temperatures is exhibited by the number of cuts the Clamp Pad (58) can withstand before failing by the ultrasonic blade (100) cutting through the material. Applicants determined that the commercially available PBI/PEKK blends which included 30% PBI did not have sufficiently high T_(g)s to allow their use as Clamp Pad (58) and that it would be necessary to increase the percentage of PBI in the blend. Applicants were able to successfully have injection moldable PBI/PEKK blends compounded with PBI percentages in excess of 30%. FIG. 63 is a graph of the number of cuts to failure for a clamp pad composed of the different PBI/PEKK blends that applicants were able to have compounded. The Horizontal Axis (2100) represents the percentage of PBI in the PBI/PEKK blend. Polymer blends with at least 55% PBI mixed with 45% PEKK were experimentally found to exhibit T_(g)s that were acceptable for use in these applications. In one case a blend with 60% PBI and 40% PEKK was used and found to provide excellent life. The inventor also found that materials which exhibited an Inherent Viscosity of greater than 0.6 dL/g and preferably greater than 0.7 dL/g could be extruded and pelletized into materials capable of being injection molded. Inherent viscosity is the ratio of the natural logarithm of the relative viscosity to the mass concentration of the polymer and is a viscometric method for measuring molecule size. In addition, a preferred range for the melt viscosity of the blend is greater than 1200 Pascal-s to produce a material that can be extruded to provide acceptable properties in its final form. Changes to the Rheology of the material used for pelletization can also be accomplished through the use of additives such as Molybdenum Disulfide, Polytetrafluoroethelyne (PTFE), Graphite, Boron Nitride, Carbon or other rheology modifying additives known in the art. One advantage to the use of the rheology modifying additives listed is that they also increase the lubricity of the materials molded from the pellets as described in more detail below. The embodiments herein show the Clamp Arm (44) having undercuts or other suitable features to engage the Clamp Pad (58) to prevent the Clamp Pad (58) from moving relative to the Clamp Arm (44) after overmolding. Applicants unexpectedly found through experimentation that the Clamp Pad (58) would also directly adhere to the Clamp Arm (44) when using the PBI/PEKK blend materials described herein. It is therefore contemplated that the designs shown could eliminate pad retention features, further improving the strength of the underlying Clamp Arm (44). Additionally, although it has been disclosed herein to overmold the described material blends onto the metal Clamp Arm (44), it is also contemplated that the inherent rigidity of the described blends also allows for the entire Clamp Arm (44) and Clamp Pad (58) to be molded as a single unitary component.

During normal use, tissue captured between the Clamp Pad (58) and Blade (100) maintains a low coefficient of friction between these components. However, once the tissue has been transected in one part of this interface the Clamp Pad (58) and Blade (100) come into contact. Historically, the use of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the Clamp Pad (58) enabled this contact without a significant increase in the coefficient of friction between these components. However, the PTFE blends used in these applications were not injection moldable. It is known that the coefficient of friction of the PBI/PEKK blends discussed above provides a less than optimally low coefficient of friction in this abuse mode. As the coefficient of friction increases, the heat generated during use will also increase. This in turn means that the Tg of the Clamp Pad (58) needs to be higher to accommodate the extra heat generation. Addition of lubricants to the PBI/PEKK blends such as a Boron Nitride/Graphite/Carbon mixture have been found experimentally to provide a sufficient reduction in the PBI/PEKK blend coefficient of friction and hence the operating temperature of the device to allow for the use of the lubricated PBI/PEKK blend material in the Clamp Pad (58) in both the normal and abuse modes of operation. Combining between 20% and 40% of the lubricating mixture with between 15% and 40% PBI and between 40% and 50% PEKK was found to provide a significant reduction in the friction coefficient as compared to a PBI/PEKK blend with no lubrication. In one embodiment, a blend of 28% PBI, 44.5% PEKK and 27.5% of the lubricating mixture by weight where the lubricating mixture was composed of 13% Boron Nitride, 40% Graphite and 47% Carbon by weight was experimentally found to provide low coefficient of friction properties and high T_(g) properties such that the material was suitable for use in the Clamp Pad (58) in both normal and abuse conditions. Overall, this combination was composed of 28% PBI, 44.5% PEKK, 3.5% Boron Nitride, 11% Graphite and 13% Carbon by weight. These blends may be processed by injection molding the Clamp Pad (58) onto the Clamp Arm (44) or by machining the material into the form of the Clamp Pad (58). Additionally, the Clamp Pad (58) can be a single unitary component in the Clamp Arm (44) as shown in FIG. 2B, or it can be a part of a two piece assembly (58A and 58B) as shown in FIG. 3A. In alternative embodiments, the PBI material can be replaced by any of the non-melt polymers shown in FIG. 65, the PEKK material can be replaced by any of the High Performance or Ultra Performance meltable carrier polymers shown in FIG. 65 and the lubricating mixture can be replaced by one or more of the Lubricant/Rheology Modifier materials shown in FIG. 65. In a more general sense, the material may comprise a blend of three components. The first component is a non-melt polymer such as PBI or any of the non-melt polymers shown in FIG. 65. The second component is a meltable carrier polymer such as Polyetherketoneketone or any of the Ultra Performance or High Performance meltable carrier polymers shown in FIG. 65. The third component is a filler comprising one or more lubricant/rheology modifying materials such as any of the lubricant/rheology modifying materials shown in FIG. 65. In some instances, as described above, the third, filler component may be excluded from the final material blend.

VII. Exemplary Moldable Devices and Components

Although the PBI/PEKK blend has been shown as a material for use in Clamp Pad (58), the injection moldable properties of the material also make it useful to construct various components of medical devices and medical implants. Referring to FIG. 4, various components in the device can be injection molded from the PBI/PEKK blend, including, but not limited to the Outer Tube (32), Link (29) or Trigger (28). Referring now to FIG. 64, an implantable Spine Cage (4000) is shown. The Spine Cage (4000) is placed as into the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure to provide support in the area where the natural spinal disc material has been removed. The Spine Cage (4000) may be constructed from the various injection moldable material blends indicated above. In this case the Spine Cage (4000) can be injection molded or machined from a block of the blend material. In addition, the moldable material may also be used to create the Spine Cage (4000) through an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing. A 3D printer and printhead are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,684, herein incorporate in its entirety by reference. In the 3D printing process shown, a filament of the moldable blend is produced into a filament that is then heated to its melt temperature and deposited onto a substrate to create a three dimensional object such as the Spine Cage (4000). Although the process shown utilizes the moldable blend material as a filament, the material could also be pelletized and placed into a heated container, raised to its melt temperature and extruded through a nozzle to deposit it into the Spine Cage (4000) form. Various other three dimensional printing processes as are known in the art are contemplated as well.

VII. Miscellaneous

It should be understood that any of the versions of instruments described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above. By way of example only, any of the instruments described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein. It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to any of the instruments described in any of the other references cited herein, such that the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of any of the references cited herein in numerous ways. Other types of instruments into which the teachings herein may be incorporated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system such as the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif. Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” published Aug. 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Versions described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising an end effector, wherein said end effector comprises: (a) an ultrasonic blade, wherein said end effector is operable to apply ultrasonic energy at the blade; (b) a clamp arm pivotable relative to the blade; and (c) a clamp pad secured to said clamp arm, wherein said clamp pad is positioned to oppose said blade such that said end effector is operable to compress tissue between said clamp pad and said blade; wherein said clamp pad comprises a blend of polybenzimidazole and polyetherketoneketone and having an Inherent Viscosity of greater than 0.6 dL/g.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamp arm comprises a latching feature operable to retain said clamp pad relative to said clamp arm, wherein said latching feature is operable to prevent said clamp pad from moving laterally, longitudinally, and perpendicularly relative to said clamp arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamp pad is injection molded onto said clamp arm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said blend of polybenzimidazole and polyetherketoneketone comprises at least 55% polybenzimidazole by weight.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamp pad further comprises a lubricant.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said lubricant comprises Boron Nitride, Carbon, PFTE, Molybdenum Disulfide and Graphite.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said clamp pad comprises between 20% and 40% of said lubricant, between 15% and 40% of said polybenzimidazole and between 40% and 50% of said polyetherketoneketone by weight.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the clamp pad comprises 27.5% of the lubricant, 28% of said polybenzimidazole and 44.5% of said polyetherketoneketone by weight.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said lubricant comprises 13% Boron Nitride, 47% Carbon and 40% Graphite by weight.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said clamp pad comprises 28% polybenzimidazole, 44.5% polyetherketoneketone, 3.5% Boron Nitride, 11% Graphite and 13% Carbon by weight.
 11. An apparatus for use in an ultrasonic surgical instrument, the apparatus comprising a material comprises a blend of polybenzimidazole and polyetherketoneketone and having an Inherent Viscosity of greater than 0.6 dL/g, and wherein said material is attached to a clamp arm of said ultrasonic surgical instrument.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, of claim 1, wherein said blend of polybenzimidazole and polyetherketoneketone comprises at least 55% polybenzimidazole by weight.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said material further comprises a lubricant.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lubricant comprises Boron Nitride, Carbon and Graphite.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said material comprises between 25% and 40% of the lubricant, between 15% and 40% of polybenzimidazole and between 40% and 45% of polyetherketoneketone by weight.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said lubricant comprises 13% Boron Nitride, 47% Carbon and 40% Graphite by weight.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said material comprises 28% polybenzimidazole, 44.5% polyetherketoneketone, 3.5% Boron Nitride, 11% Graphite and 13% Carbon by weight.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said material is formed into a clamp pad and attached to said clamp arm of the ultrasonic surgical instrument by injection molding said material onto said clamp arm.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said clamp arm comprises a latching feature operable to retain said clamp pad relative to said clamp arm, wherein said latching feature is operable to prevent said clamp pad from moving laterally, longitudinally, and perpendicularly relative to said clamp arm.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said material is formed into a clamp pad by machining. 